Bruce Peterson

A funeral service for Pastor Bruce Peterson, 64, of New England, ND will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in New England with Bishop Mark Narum officiating.  Burial will take place at a later date in Joplin, MT.


Visitation for Pastor Bruce will be 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 7 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson with a prayer service being held at 6:00 p.m.


Pastor Bruce passed away Saturday, June 3, 2017 at his home in New England.


Bruce Carl was born May 6, 1953 in Madison, WI, the son of Andrew and Edna (Emilson) Peterson.  He grew up in McFarland, WI, attending school and graduating in 1971.  Bruce continued his education at the University of Montana in Missoula, studying Forestry and working for the U.S. Forest Service. There he met Susan Burnham who shared his passion for the outdoors.  They were united in marriage on June 9, 1973 in Missoula, honeymooning on a lookout in the mountains of Idaho, overlooking Lake Pend Oreille.  Bruce and Susan were blessed with five children, Michael, Sarah, Timothy, Matthew, and Christopher.  After college, Bruce worked as an assistant manager for K-Mart.  While at K-mart, the family lived in many states; Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, and Texas.  After nine years, Bruce left K-mart and the family moved to Joplin, MT.  There he worked the land; farming alongside Susan’s family at Evergreen Grain Farms for fourteen years. It was during this time that Bruce received his call to the ministry.  Bruce and Susan moved to St. Paul where he attended Luther Seminary, graduating with a Master’s of Divinity in 2002.  Pastor Bruce received his first call to Concordia Lutheran Church, in Crosby, ND where he served as Pastor for five years.  Pastor Bruce was then called to Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in New England where he was blessed to serve for nearly ten years.  Pastor Bruce LOVED the game of golf.  He and Susan could often be seen Monday mornings on the local course at South Heart.  He also loved playing games with family and friends. Frisbee golf, Monopoly, Rage, and any sort of card game; especially Euchre or Cribbage.  Pastor Bruce was involved in his community and church, finding many ways to serve.  While in Montana, he served as Scoutmaster and then District Chairman with the Boy Scouts.  He served on the church council, was the Sunday School Superintendent, and a Gideon’s spokesman.  Pastor Bruce ministered at the Women’s Correctional Facility in New England, served on the Child Abuse Prevention Board of Southwest North Dakota and on the Board at Badlands Ministries.  He was a member of the Lions Organization in New England.  He enjoyed supporting local high school sports and announced the Basketball and Volleyball team line ups for the New England Tigers.  No one was a stranger for long to Pastor Bruce, with his encouraging smile and friendly demeanor, he could visit with anyone that he met.


Pastor Bruce is survived by his wife, Susan; children, Michael (Rebecca) Peterson of Laurel, MT, Sarah (Andrew) Davis of Laurel, MT, Timothy (Adrienna) Peterson of Stevensville, MT, Christopher (Crystal) Peterson of Milaca, MN; eleven grandchildren, Shayla, Kennedy, Cooper, Tucker, Hannah Belle, Abigail, Joseph, Aragorn, Andrea, Avery and Hazel; brother, Steven (Stephanie Allyn) Peterson of St. Paul, MN; sister, Susan (Jerry) Drebelbis of Bemidji, MN.


He is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Edna Peterson; son, Matthew Peterson; grandson, Matthew Peterson.


Family suggests memorials to:


Badlands Ministries –
www.badlandministries.org


New England Booster Club – PO Box 86, New England, ND 58647


or donation of their choice.


Peterson Bruce


Burial Date: June 8, 2017
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Service:  10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 8, 2017, Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church,  New England
Prayer Service:  6:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 7, 2017, Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson